Press Release - August 20, 2018

Monday, August 20, 2018

Silicon Valley Community Foundation Awards 142 Scholarships to Recipients in Six Bay Area Counties

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – (August 20, 2018) – In 2018 Silicon Valley Community Foundation has awarded 142 foundation-managed scholarships totaling over $763,000. Annually, SVCF administers more than 45 scholarship programs, and has awarded more than $15.9 million to students since 2007.

This recent round of awards targeted graduating high school seniors and current college students from the greater Bay Area. The 131 recipients represent six Bay Area counties and 24 cities, and the average scholarship amount is $5,000, helping students reduce their unmet financial need.

“These scholarships are an integral part of SVCF’s work,” said SVCF Scholarship Officer Lisa Alvarez. “Given the increased cost of attendance and reliance on student loans, SVCF and our donors are eager to help lessen the burden on students and families. Our scholarships allow students to focus on academics and engage in school, which increases their likelihood of successfully completing college.”

Receiving heartfelt letters of gratitude and hearing from scholarship recipients and their families is an annual highlight at SVCF; three excerpts are included below.

“You are helping me become the best engineer that I can be, so that I may most effectively serve our community and environment.” -Brian Carrozza

Brian is the recipient of the Latinos in Technology Scholarship and is studying mechanical engineering at San Jose State University.

“This scholarship has majorly reduced my financial gap for the next four years. My family and I are very grateful. We will be able to spend the next few months before I leave for college focusing on family time instead of financial worries. The benefit of having a mentor is also priceless.” – Abisaid Esquivel Rebolledo

Abisaid is the recipient of the Abby Sobrato Scholarship and a graduate of the Luis Valdez Leadership Academy in Santa Clara. She plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

“I am so grateful to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation for offering a wide variety of scholarships. It is evidence that the foundation’s scholarship committee understands not every student’s journey through high school is the same. Some students just need a little time to get their footing before excelling to their full potential. I thank you for allowing Taytianna to give you a glimpse into her strengths and for your help in making her dream of attending college attainable.” – Jennifer Leggett

Jennifer is the mother Taytianna Leggett, who lives in San Jose and received the Ralph Hale and Martha L. Ruppert Educational Scholarship

For interested applicants: 2018 scholarship deadlines have passed; however, we encourage you to view each scholarship’s profile and application instructions to prepare for the 2019 scholarship season, which will launch in early December 2018.

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About Silicon Valley Community Foundation
Silicon Valley Community Foundation advances innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. We engage donors and corporations from Silicon Valley, across the country and around the globe to make our region and world better for all. Our passion for helping people and organizations achieve their philanthropic dreams has created a global philanthropic enterprise committed to the belief that possibilities start here. Learn more at siliconvalleycf.org.